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Latest Highlights:

4 October: The Cattle Egret again at Willington GP.

For more weather click meteoblue

Welcome to the DOS website

Indoor Meetings and Field Trips - the 2024-25 programmes last updated 3 October see Meetings and Trips page

DOS is leading an exciting multi-year project, in association with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, to enhance the likelihood of Osprey nesting in Derbyshire. Osprey have successfully nested in the adjacent counties of Lincolnshire and Staffordshire in recent years, and Ospreys regularly pass through the county often staying for an extended period. The first phase of this project, which is hoped can begin in September 2024, will be to repair and maintain the network of existing artificial nest platforms currently located within the county.

We are looking for DOS members who would be willing to volunteer to join a team who, using DWT vehicles and equipment, will undertake the maintenance of the platforms. To find out more please contact Vic Bevan (DOS Conservation Officer) at vic.bevan58@gmail.com

Survey

BTO Winter Gull Survey 2024-25 - see details and how to volunteer here

New Bulletin Bird Notes Editor - Steve Thorpe has taken over from Mark Beevers in this role so please send your records slips to Steve from now on (his address is on the Recording page). Our thanks go to Mark for all his hard work as the previous Bird Notes Editor.





Looking for ways to help the DOS?

Help

We have several opportunities you may be perfect for.

See the the list here

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Bird Flu

Suspected outbreaks of this very serious disease affecting wild and captive birds have been reported in Derbyshire

What to do if you find dead birds:

Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.

You should call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) if you find:

  • one or more dead bird of prey or owl
  • 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks)
  • 5 or more dead birds of any species

For the latest DEFRA guidance see here

The Derbyshire Bird Report 2022

DBR 2022 Cover

The latest Derbyshire Bird Report published November 2023 and containing 224 pages in full colour. Complete Systematic List for the 207 species recorded in Derbyshire in 2022, including the county's second Red-flanked Bluetail and much more


Click here to order

For previous years click here

Derbyshire Peregrines

Derby Cathedral Peregrine Watch

Catch up on all the Peregrine news at Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project here

For streaming live video and sound click here

Think before you click

During the breeding season, please be sensible and responsible when using social media to report sightings for sensitve breeding species - see here for more details. The Rare Breeding Birds Panel issued revised guidance see here. Advice on finding rarities from our Recorders is available here. Remember: the birds must come first.


Wildlife Crime

If you witness or suspect wildlife crime then please contact the police (ask for a Wildlife Crime Officer) or RSPB. Your information will be dealt with in confidence but if, for any reason, you are reluctant to take either of those routes then please at least pass the information to Crimestoppers by ringing 0800 555111


Site Restrictions

Several of the sites in the county have some restrictions on access:

  • Aston-on-Trent GP: This is a private working gravel pit with permit only access during working hours. The site cannot be seen from the A50 pull-in because of the height of trees/bushes. No access should be attempted AT ANY TIME, however, occasional visits organised by the DWT and DWT/DOS - places limited, see Meetings and Trips page
  • Barrow GP: This is a private site and can only be viewed from the south of the river on the Anchor Church side
  • Drakelow NR: a DWT site with restricted access to members
  • Foremark Reservoir: No access at any time to the area along the dam wall or the west side of the reservoir
  • High Bridge GP: Access from the A38 and take extreme care when crossing the hump-backed bridge. This is a dangerous working gravel pit and heavy lorries use the site during working hours so best visited in the evening or weekend but be aware work can occur at any time and parking is difficult during the working week. There should be no attempt to gain access during the working day. The pits should only be viewed from the lane
  • Willington GP: Please stay on the main tracks, do not use the gravel company roads. Currently the Canal Pit (north-west side of the railway line) is very difficult to view from the Canal Bank or from the Canal Bridge due to tall vegetation. Signs now on this pit which say "No Access to Birdwatchers"

Safety first! Respect landowner's privacy. "The interests of the bird comes first". Follow the Birdwatchers Code of Conduct


Want to help the DOS?


Click here for information